Plants of merit: serviceberry

WHAT: Amelanchien alnifolia, commonly known as serviceberry or Saskatoon berry, it is a deciduous woody shrub. In the spring it is covered with 2 inch white fragrant flowers, to the extent that the branches are barely visible.

The teal colored foliage bursts with hot colors in the fall. The leaves are brilliant reddish orange.

Serviceberry produces berries beloved by American Indians and were used for soups, stews, vegetables and puddings. Today they are a very popular berry for jams and pies.

SUN OR SHADE: Serviceberry needs full to partial sun.

SIZE: This shrub grows to 12 feet tall and approximately 10 feet wide.